Limiting performance analysis of biomechanical systems for optimal injury control – Part 1: Theory and methodology

Abstract

The performance of safety devices for injury control is studied in this paper. The problem to be addressed is treated as the optimal control and optimization of a biomechanical system consisting of safety devices and occupants. The system performance is measured by injury criteria. The limiting performance analysis is utilized to find the best possible performance for the system. Parametric optimization is introduced for the optimal design of a safety device. Various techniques for the computational modeling of biomechanical systems are discussed. The use of nonlinear rigid multi-body dynamics software in the limiting performance analysis and parametric optimization is addressed. Best and worst disturbance analyses and a sensitivity analysis are also considered.

Keywords:

• Biomechanical systems
• injury prevention and reduction
• limiting performance analysis
• optimal control and optimization
• computational modeling and simulation